Hi Gene,
I think 18 inch is down the shorter end. The shortest jambiya I have, which I would call a sabiki, is about 15 inches.
Yes, the draw out has the knuckles towrds the body. Although , I guess you could draw the sabiki like dagger. I am guessing, but, I think the reason the sabiki hilt is positioned on the wearers left side is that with the sabiki held horizontal across the body, the upward arc draw keeps the weapon within the bodies frame while if the hilt was on the right the draw would extend the arm and weapon to an extreme right position and possibly interfere with another person - or maybe be impossible in a crowded fight?
My blades are like your one, smooth variety, although I do have other styles which are the same outside but with different blade types - with or without the central ridge. Unfortunately the brass covering is often thin and can split , but most often cut/worn internally from the blade entering into and being removed from the sheath.
Steve
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